How to Treat a Wooden Food Tray

A wooden tray also makes a good catchall for unique items. (Image: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images)

Serve tasty appetizers or breakfast in bed on a wooden tray for rustic charm. Spilled drinks and foods may stain your wooden server or leave germs behind. Protect the beauty of your wooden tray and keep it clean by treating it after every use. Allowing organic substances to remain on your tray may disfigure its grain or make a painted tray chip. Preserve this stylish piece with good care and regular wood treatments if needed.

Things You'll Need

Cloth

Bleach

Sponge

Towel

Vegetable oil

Paper towel

Lemon slice

Wood wax

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Wipe down the tray with a damp, cold cloth after every use. Do not saturate the porous wood, as this may cause warping.

Mix 1/4 cup bleach with 1 qt. warm water in a sink or bowl. Dab any stains with the bleach water and a sponge.

Rinse the stains immediately with cool water, then pat the tray dry. After the tray dries, coat it lightly with vegetable oil using a paper towel. This will keep the wood looking beautiful and prevent it from drying out.

Remove smells on your wooden tray by rubbing a lemon slice over the entire surface. Pat the juice dry afterward.

Use wood wax on the tray once every few months to protect the wood grain.